Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced his country would press on with its military offensive in northern Syria until all threats are removed and the nation’s security is guaranteed. “Our armed forces passed to Syria’s Jarabulus to support the Free Syrian Army movement. Until all terrorist groups and threats against our borders and citizens are removed our operation will continue,” said Yildirim.
The Turkish attacks on Kurdish positions have reportedly justified American concerns, as the Kurdish militia’s in Syria have decided to put off preparations of an operation against the Islamic State, meant to liberate the city of Raqqa, which is located northeast of the Euphrates River, in order to concentrate on fighting Turkey. The increasing battles between Turkey and the Kurds has brought about a significant slowdown in the battle against the Islamic State, prompting Russia to join the United States in its call on Turkey to avoid strikes in Syria on opposition and ethnic groups, including Kurds, who fight against the Islamic State.
“In the present situation the leadership of the Syrian democratic forces alliance, whose core is composed of the Kurds, decided to put off preparations of an operation against ISIS to liberate Raqqa in order to concentrate on the fighting which is developing from the Turkish side. We call on all sides to concentrate on the common and urgent goal, that is the destruction of a terrorism hotbed in Syria.” / “We call on our Turkish partners to carefully choose their targets during the anti-terrorist operation and avoid strikes on positions of opposition and ethnic groups, including Syrian Kurds who fight ISIS as well,” said Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman.